Lowenburg v. Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, No. 2019-CA-0524 (La. App. July 29, 2020)

ANNE LOWENBURG, JUDITH * NO.
2019-CA-0524
LOWENBURG, WIFE OF AND
TOM LOWENBURG, SARAH *
LOWMAN, JACK STOLIER, COURT OF APPEAL
WILLIAM B. TAYLOR, III, *
M.D. AND BARBARA WEST FOURTH CIRCUIT
*
VERSUS STATE OF LOUISIANA
*******
SEWERAGE & WATER
BOARD OF NEW ORLEANS
CONSOLIDATED WITH: CONSOLIDATED WITH:
ARIYAN, INC. D/B/A DISCOUNT NO. 2019-CA-0525

CORNER
VERSUS
SEWERAGE & WATER BOARD

OF NEW ORLEANS
K&B LOUISIANA NO. 2019-CA-0526

CORPORATION D/B/A RITE AID
CORPORATION
VERSUS
SEWERAGE AND WATER

BOARD OF NEW ORLEANS
M. LANGENSTEIN & SONS, INC., NO. 2019-CA-0527

PRYTANIA LIQUOR STORE,
INC., WEST PRYTANIA INC.
D/B/A PRYTANIA MAIL
SERVICE, BARBARA H. WEST,
FINE ARTS MANAGEMENT,
L.L.C. D/B/A PRYTANIA
THEATRE, PASCAL'S MANALE
RESTAURANT, INC., SUPERIOR
SEAFOOD AND OYSTER BAR,
L.L.C., SUPERIOR BAR & GRILL,
INC., THE FRESH MARKET, INC.,
BRITISH ANTIQUES, L.L.C.,
BENNET POWELL AND THE
MAGIC BOX, LTD.
VERSUS

OF NEW ORLEANS
APPEAL FROM
CIVIL DISTRICT COURT, ORLEANS PARISH
NO. 2016-00621, DIVISION “D”
Honorable Nakisha Ervin-Knott, Judge
******
Judge Regina Bartholomew-Woods
******
(Court composed of Judge Edwin A. Lombard, Judge Sandra Cabrina Jenkins,
Judge Regina Bartholomew-Woods)
Randall Alan Smith

Sarah Ann Lowman
L. Tiffany Hawkins
Mary Nell Bennett
SMITH & FAWER, L.L.C.
201 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 3702
New Orleans, LA 70170
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFFS/APPELLEES
Craig B. Mitchell
Kiana M. Mitchell
Joseph B. Morton, III
Christopher D. Wilson
MITCHELL & ASSOCIATES, APLC
615 Baronne Street, Suite 300
Darryl Harrison
625 St. Joseph Street
COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLANT
AMENDED, REMANDED,
MODIFIED AND RENDERED, AND
AFFIRMED AS AMENDED
JULY 29 , 2020
RBW
EAL
SCJ
This consolidated appeal arises from residential and commercial property
damages and loss of use and enjoyment as a result of construction associated with
drainage projects across uptown New Orleans, Louisiana.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
This consolidated appeal involves a group of homeowners, Plaintiffs-
Appellees (“Lowenburg Appellees”)1 and a non-profit church with a daycare center
Plaintiff-Appellee, Watson Memorial Spiritual Temple of Christ d/b/a Watson
Memorial Teaching Ministries, (“Watson Appellee”)2 who claim that they, along
with their properties, sustained various types of damages as a result of the
1
Lowenburg Appellees consist exclusively of residential property owners who live within
Jefferson II and include Dr. Josephine S. Brown; Nancy and Parke Ellis; Dr. Robert and Charlotte
Link; Ross and Laurie McDiarmid; Jerry R. Osborne; Jack M. Stolier; Dr. William B. Taylor, III;
Mark Hamrick; and Elio, Charlotte, and Benito Brancaforte.
2
The trial court, in its reasons for judgment, referred to Watson Appellee as a commercial plaintiff.
1
construction of the Southeast Louisiana Urban Drainage Project (SELA Project).3
This federally sponsored and funded project4 involved the construction of multiple
drainage canals and was carried out by the United States Army Corps of Engineers
(“USACE”) and Defendant-Appellant, Sewerage and Water Board (“Appellant”). On
January 16, 2009, USACE entered into a project partnership agreement5 with the
Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (“LCPRA”) to construct the
drainage canals. Pursuant to the project partnership agreement, LCPRA and
Appellant entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement. Appellant assumed
LCRPA’s contractual responsibilities and obligations in relation to the SELA
project.6 Further, through the cooperative endeavor agreement, Appellant
indemnified the LCPRA, USACE, and its contractors. The trial court, in its final
judgment, concluded that Appellant was the owner and controller of this construction
project. Similarly, this Court, in Holzenthal, concluded that Appellant was the owner
and the controller of the SELA project. Holzenthal v. Sewerage & Water Bd. of New
Orleans, 2006-0796, p.8 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1/10/07); 950 So.2d 55, 62.
This project took place in seven (7) phases throughout uptown New Orleans,
Louisiana: Claiborne I, Claiborne II, Jefferson I, Jefferson II, Napoleon II, Napoleon
III, and Louisiana I;7 the instant consolidated appeal involves two of the
3
The purpose of this project was to increase drainage capacity in order to withstand ten-year
rainfall events. Sewell v. Sewerage & Water Bd. of New Orleans, 2018-0996, p. 18 (La. App. 4 Cir.
5/29/19), --- So.3d ----, writ denied, 2019-01166 (La. 10/15/19); 280 So.3d 612.
4
Jefferson II and Napoleon III were funded by Public Law 110-252 (June 20, 2008) through an
appropriation by the United States Congress to the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
5
The project partnership agreement defined LCPRA as a non-federal sponsor and identified the
multiple phases of the SELA project.
6
Appellant asserts that it was not a party to the federal construction contract to build; rather,
USACE and general contractors were parties. Cajun Contractors, LLC, was the general contractor
for Jefferson II. Boh Bros. was the general contractor for Napoleon III.
7
Sewell, 2018-0996, p. 1 (La. App. 4 Cir. 5/29/19), --- So.3d ---- 2019 WL 2305673.
2
aforementioned phases, Jefferson II and Napoleon III. Lowenburg Appellees’
residences were located within Jefferson II, which included the construction of new
drainage culverts – one along Jefferson Avenue from Carondelet Street to Constance
Street and another down Prytania Street from Jefferson Avenue to Nashville Avenue.
Lowenburg Appellees’ residences were located adjacent to the construction at
Jefferson Avenue and Prytania Street.8 Watson Appellee is located at the intersection
of St. Charles Avenue and Napoleon Avenue9 within Napoleon III, which included
the construction of an expanded drainage culvert along Napoleon Avenue from
Carondelet Street to Constance Street. Watson Appellee’s property is adjacent to the
construction on Napoleon Avenue and St. Charles Avenue.
Appellees aver that they were impacted by construction activities10 from June
or July 2013 until December 2016.11 Lowenburg Appellees alleged that construction
activities took place at least five (5) days per week including weekends, began in the
early morning, and lasted until the evening. Additionally, Lowenburg Appellees aver
that they experienced restricted vehicular and pedestrian traffic12 to their residences,
8
Three residences were located on Jefferson Avenue, three residences were located in the 5400
block of Prytania Street, and three residences were located in the 500 block of Prytania Street.
9
Watson Appellee was surrounded by construction activity on both sides.
10
The trial court took judicial notice that “the general construction activities that took place on the
Jefferson II and Napoleon III SELA phases consisted of jet grouting, excavation for the drainage
culvert (installation of bracing and removal of soil with dump trucks), culvert backfilling (rebar
installation and pouring of concrete), relocation of water mains, installation of catch basins and
drain lines, replacement of sewer mains, and removal and restoration of roadways. The SELA
Project construction activities on Jefferson II and Napoleon III required the use of backhoes,
jackhammers, excavators, cranes, constant loading and movement of dump trucks, and the use of
other large equipment. The SELA Project construction activities on Jefferson II and Napoleon III
created constant noise, dust, dirt, and blocked access.”
11
John Fogarty, a civil and residential engineer with USACE who served as the administrative
contracting officer for the SELA construction, confirmed these dates.
12
During the construction, Prytania Street was closed and there was tall metal fencing on both
sides of the street up to the sidewalks. The residences along Prytania Street were deprived of
vehicular access for the duration of the construction project; Appellees were forced to park two (2)
to five (5) blocks from their residences. Additionally, other street closures and traffic re-routing
substantially impeded Appellees’ access to their residences.
3
as well as excessive vibrations, daytime and nighttime noise,13 dust, dirt, debris, and
foul odors. Watson Appellee alleges that, as a result of the construction activities, the
property sustained damage to its foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, roof, and
basement. In addition to seeking damages for property damage, Watson Appellee
sought compensation for loss of income and profits related to its childcare center.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On January 19, 2016, the Lowenburg Appellees filed their original petition for
damages14 seeking compensation for property damages to residences, loss of use and
enjoyment of residences, and lost rent as a result of the construction associated with
Jefferson II. On May 21, 2018, through the Third Supplemental and Amended
Petition for Damages, Watson Appellee joined as a plaintiff in M. Langenstein &
Sons, Inc. v. Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, a suit similar to the instant
suit that involved businesses alleging commercial losses and property damages
against Appellant as a result of construction along the Napoleon Avenue Phase II
SELA Project. Watson Appellee’s claims proceeded to trial with those of the
Lowenburg Appellees. All of Appellees’ suits alleged that Appellant was liable for
damages pursuant to inverse condemnation, strict liability under La. C.C. arts. 667,
2317, and 2317.1, and negligence under La. C.C. arts. 2317 and 2317.1. Appellant
filed Third-Party Demands against contractors hired by the USACE to construct the
drainage canals and asserted claims based on third party beneficiary and indemnity.
In accordance with the Federal Officer Removal Statute, the contractors removed the
suit to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
13
The nighttime noise was produced by generators and pumps that operated twenty-four hours per
day.
14
Appellees supplemented and amended their petition three (3) times to add new plaintiffs and
claims.
4
Thereafter, the contractors filed Motions for Summary Judgment and argued that, as
federal government contractors, they were entitled to immunity from suit. The
federal court, pursuant to Boyle v. United Tech. Corp., 487 U.S. 500 (1988), granted
the contractors’ Motions for Summary Judgment. Additionally, the federal court
dismissed Appellant’s third-party demands, declined to retain jurisdiction, and
remanded the suit to Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans.
Appellees’ consolidated suit proceeded to trial on January 28 – 31, 2019.15 On
March 21, 2019, the trial court rendered judgment, and found that Appellees had
suffered inverse condemnation for which Appellant was liable; that Appellant was
the owner of the project; the project’s construction caused Appellees’ property
damages16, loss of use and enjoyment of properties; and that Appellant failed to
show comparative fault as to other parties; and Appellant was strictly liable pursuant
to La. C.C. arts. 2317 and 2317.1. The trial court awarded Lowenburg Appellees
damages in the amount of $765,084.47.17 The trial court awarded Watson Appellee
damages in the amount of $233,788.00.18 Appellant now appeals the trial court’s
March 21, 2019 judgment.19 Appellees cross-appeal seeking an increase in the
amount of damages, judicial interest from the date of judicial demand, and for the
fees incurred on appeal.
DISCUSSION
15
The trial court stated that this was the fourth trial before the court on claims raised by
homeowners and businesses against Appellant for damages caused by the SELA project.
16
The construction caused either new damage or exacerbated pre-existing damage to the
properties.
17
This amount included property damages and loss of use and enjoyment. The trial court’s award
of damages as to each of the Lowenburg Appellee is discussed, in detail, later in this opinion.
18
This amount included $135,000 for property damages to the church and loss of profits in the
amount of $98,788.00 for the daycare center
19
On July 15, 2019, this Court consolidated the Lowenburg and Langenstein appeals.
5
Assignments of Error
On appeal, Appellant raises the following assignments of error:
1. Whether the trial court erred by awarding special damages for loss of use
and enjoyment for experiencing noise, vibrations, dust, and property
damages;
a. Alternatively, whether the trial court’s awards for loss of use and
enjoyment were excessive and thus, an abuse of discretion.
2. Whether the trial court erred by awarding damages for loss of use and
enjoyment for general effects experienced throughout the neighborhood
caused by construction activities that were minimal and away from the
residences;
3. Whether the trial court erred by awarding damages for the impact of
alleged construction noises based on potential decibel levels, which was
contrary to evidence and the federal court’s immunity ruling;
4. Whether the trial court erred in awarding damages for experiencing
construction noises at night;
5. Whether the trial court erred by not reducing its award for damages for the
stress of living with property damage to comport with its findings
regarding property damage;
6. Whether the trial court erred by not reducing the damaged square footage
to comport with its reduction of Appellees’ property damage claims;
7. Whether the trial court’s award of damages for loss of parking and access
was excessive;
6
8. Whether the trial court erred by awarding damages for elements of loss of
use and enjoyment contrary to the record; and
9. Whether the trial court’s award of damages in favor of Watson Appellee
was excessive and not supported by the record.
In Appellees’ cross-appeal, they raise the following assignments of error:
1. Whether the trial court’s property damage awards in favor of Appellees
should be increased;
2. Whether the district court’s award for physical damage in favor of Watson
Appellee should be increased;
3. Whether the district court erred in not awarding any damages to Mark
Hamrick for lost rent;
4. Whether the district court erred in failing to include judicial interest on all
damages awarded as mandated by Louisiana law; and
5. Whether Watson Appellee is entitled to fees, including attorney’s fees,
incurred on appeal pursuant to La. C.C.P. art. 2164 and La. R.S.
13:5112(A).
As illustrated above, both Appellant and Appellees have raised numerous
assignments of error. We will discuss the assignments of error by topic – damages,
judicial interest, and attorney’s fees on appeal.
Standard of Review
In Sewell v. Sewerage & Water Bd. of New Orleans, a case substantively
similar to the instant appeal, this Court explained the applicable standard of review
as follows:
In reviewing a trial court’s findings of fact,
appellate courts employ a “manifest error” or “clearly
wrong” standard of review. Rosell v. ESCO, 549 So.2d
7
840, 844 (La. 1989) (citations omitted). Regarding issues
of law, the standard of review of an appellate court is
simply whether the court’s interpretive decision is legally
correct. Glass v. Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation,
[20]02-412, p. 3 (La. App. 4 Cir. 11/6/02), 832 So.2d 403,
405. Accordingly, if the decision of the trial court is based
upon an erroneous application of law rather than on a
valid exercise of discretion, the decision is not entitled to
deference by the reviewing court. Ohm Lounge, L.L.C. v.
Royal St. Charles Hotel, L.L.C., [20]10-1303, p. 4 (La.
App. 4 Cir. 9/21/11), 75 So.3d 471, 474.
2018-0996, p. 3 (La. App. 4 Cir. 5/29/19), ---So.3d.--- (2019), writ denied, 2019-
01166 (La. 10/15/19); 280 So.3d 612.
DAMAGES
Inverse Condemnation
Appellant argues that the trial court erred in awarding Appellees special
damages for loss of use and enjoyment for experiencing daytime and nighttime
noise, vibrations, dust, and loss of parking, and property damage during the
construction because these are quality of life and enjoyment factors that do not
constitute a taking; thus, they are properly categorized as general damages.20
20
The Louisiana Supreme Court, in Wainwright v. Fontenot, explained:
The term “damages” refers to “pecuniary compensation,

recompense, or satisfaction for an injury sustained.” Fogle v.
Feazel, 201 La. 899, 10 So.2d 695, 698 (1942). The most common
type of damages in the delictual context is compensatory damages,
which encompasses those damages “designed to place the plaintiff
in the position in which he would have been if the tort had not been
committed.” Frank L. Maraist & Thomas C. Galligan,
Jr., LOUISIANA TORT LAW § 7-1 (Michie 1996) (footnotes
omitted).
Compensatory damages are further divided into the broad

categories of special damages and general damages.
“Special damages are those which either must be specially pled or
have a ‘ready market value,’ i.e., the amount of the damages
supposedly can be determined with relative certainty.” Id. § 7-2
(footnotes omitted). . . On the other hand, “[g]eneral damages are
those which are inherently speculative in nature and cannot be
fixed with mathematical certainty. These include pain and
suffering[.]” Maraist & Galligan, supra, § 7-2.
2000-0492, pp. 5-6 (La. 10/17/00); 774 So.2d 70, 74.
8
According to Appellant, Lowenburg Appellees’ homes were never rendered
uninhabitable and use was never lost. Appellant further argues that except for the
loss of parking, no other tangible property rights were “taken.” In furtherance of this
argument, Appellant relies on FIE, LLC v. New Jax Condo Ass’n, Inc., in which this
Court explained the following:

As reasoned by this Court in Chriss,21 there is a
distinction between a mental anguish claim allegedly
related to property damage and a claim for the loss of use
of property. A non-economic loss of use occurs when the
owner’s normal use of the property is restricted by
defendant’s acts and, consequently, the owner’s rights of
ownership are disturbed.
The ownership of property includes the rights to

possess it, use it, enjoy the use of it, and dispose of
it. See Eagle Pipe and Supply, Inc. v. Amerada Hess Corp.,
[20]10-2267, [20]10-2272, [20]10-2275, [20]10-2279,
[20]10-2289, pp. 10-11 (La. 10/25/11), 79 So.3d 246,
258; Giroir v. Dumesnil, 248 La. 1037, 1050, 184 So.2d 1,
6 (1966). When any of these rights of ownership are
disturbed by an injury or damage to the property through
the acts of another, the owner of the property obtains a
personal right of action against the one causing the
damage. Eagle Pipe, [20]10-2267, pp. 42-43, 79 So.3d at
277; see also, La. C.C. art. 2315 (“Every act whatever of
man that causes damage to another obliges him by whose
fault it happened to repair it.”). . . . As such, plaintiffs are
entitled to bring a claim against defendants for the damage
to their property and to their rights of ownership.
Furthermore, we find the damages claimed for the

loss of use of property are compensatory in nature.
Compensatory damages are those awarded on the basis of
the loss suffered and are designed to replace the loss
caused by the wrong or injury. See McGuire v.
Kelly, unpub., [20]10-0562 (La. App. 1 Cir. 1/30/12), 2012
WL 602366, *16. “Compensatory damages are further
divided into the broad categories of special damages and
general damages. Special damages are those which have a
‘ready market value,’ such that the amount of the damages
theoretically may be determined with relative
certainty.” McGee v. A C And S. Inc., 05-1036, p. 3 (La.
7/10/06), 933 So.2d 770, 773. By contrast, general
damages include those things which are inherently
21
Chriss v. Manchester Ins. & Indem. Co., 308 So.2d 803 (La. Ct. App.1975).
9
speculative in nature and cannot be measured definitively
in terms of money. Id., [20]05-1036, pp. 3-4, 933 So.2d at
774. Accordingly, loss of intellectual or physical
enjoyment, or other loss of lifestyle, fall into the category
of general damages because they are inherently speculative
and have no measurable monetary value; however, loss of
use of property falls within the category of special damages
because it can be measured fairly and to a degree of
relative certainty by the rental value of substitute
property. See McGee, [20]05-1036, p. 4, 933 So.2d at
774; Chriss, 308 So.2d at 805-06; see also, Nunez v. St.
Bernard Parish Fire Dep’t, 519 So.2d 857, 862 (La. App.
4th Cir. 1988).
2016-0843, pp. 13-14 (La. App. 4 Cir. 2/21/18); 241 So.3d 372, 386-87. In FIE,
LLC, the owners of condominium units sued the condominium association, as well as
the association’s liability insurer for loss of use as a result of water damage caused
by the association’s failure to maintain and repair the roof. While this Court, in FIE,
LLC, categorized loss of physical enjoyment as general damages and loss of use of
property as special damages, in the instant consolidated appeal, the trial court
awarded damages for loss of use and enjoyment pursuant to inverse condemnation.
In Holzenthal, a case substantively similar to the instant case, this Court
explained inverse condemnation as follows:
Every person has the right to acquire, own, control,

use, enjoy, protect and dispose of private property. This
right is subject to reasonable statutory restrictions and the
reasonable exercise of the police power.
Property shall not be taken or damaged by the state

or its political subdivisions except for public purposes and
with just compensation paid to the owner . . . . Property
shall not be taken or damaged by any private entity
authorized by law to expropriate, except for a public and
necessary purpose and with just compensation paid to the
owner; in such proceedings, whether the purpose is public
and necessary shall be a judicial question. In every
expropriation, a party has the right to trial by jury to
determine compensation, and the owner shall be
compensated to the full extent of his loss....
La. Const. Art. I, § 4; cited in Avenal v. State of

Louisiana and Dept. of Natural Resources, [20]03–3521,
pp. 25-26 (La.10/19/04), 886 So.2d 1085, 1103.
10
The Constitution requires compensation even in
those cases in which the State has not initiated
expropriation proceedings in accordance with the statutory
scheme set up for that purpose. State, Through Dept. of
Transp. and Dev. v. Chambers Investment Company, Inc.,
595 So.2d 598, 602 (La.1992).
2006-0796, p. 8 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1/10/07), 950 So.2d 55, 62. Further, this Court, in
Sewell, has stated the following:
La. Const. art. I, § 4(B)(5), as amended in 2006,

specifically explains: ‘[T]he full extent of the loss shall
include, but not be limited to, the appraised value of the
property and all costs of relocation, inconvenience, and
any other damages actually incurred by the
owner....’” Given that the current constitutional article
includes just compensation damages for “inconvenience
and other damages actually incurred,” the trial court did
not err in awarding damages for loss of use and
enjoyment of their properties when awarding just
compensation. [Emphasis supplied.]
2018-0996, p. 19 (La. App. 4 Cir. 5/29/19), writ denied, 2019-01166 (La. 10/15/19);
280 So.3d 612.
This Court, in Holzenthal, further explained:
As the Louisiana Supreme Court noted in

Chambers, it is now hornbook law that any substantial
interference with the free use and enjoyment of property
may constitute a taking of property within the meaning of
federal and state constitutions. Id.
The court held:
Although the legislature has not provided a

procedure whereby an owner can seek damages for an
uncompensated taking or damaging, this court has
recognized the action for inverse condemnation arises out
of the self-executing nature of the constitutional command
to pay just compensation. The action for inverse
condemnation provides a procedural remedy to a property
owner seeking compensation for land already taken or
damaged against a governmental or private entity having
the powers of eminent domain where no expropriation has
commenced. The action for inverse condemnation is
available in all cases where there has been a taking or
damaging of property where just compensation has not
11
been paid, without regard to whether the property is
corporeal or incorporeal. Id. [Citations omitted.]
The Louisiana Supreme Court, in its Avenal opinion,
applied the three-prong analysis set forth in Chambers,
supra, 595 So.2d at 603 to determine whether a claimant is
entitled to eminent domain compensation:
[T]he court must: (1) determine if a recognized

species of property right has been affected; (2) if it is
determined that property is involved, decide whether the
property has been taken or damaged in a constitutional
sense; and (3) determine whether the taking or damaging is
for a public purpose under Article I, § 4. Id.; Constance v.
State Through Dept. of Transp. and Development Office of
Highways, 626 So.2d 1151, 1157 (La.1993) (using [La.]
C.C. arts. 667 and 668, which impose legal limitations on a
landholder's right of ownership, to consider whether
property was taken or damaged under Art. I, § 4).
Avenal, supra at pp. 26–27, 886 So.2d at 1104.
Id. at pp. 8-9, 950 So.2d at 62–63.
To establish inverse compensation, we must determine whether Appellees
have satisfied the three (3) prongs as set out in Chambers.
(1) Whether a recognized species of property right has been affected
In consideration of this first prong, the Louisiana Supreme Court has
recognized the following:

. . . [U]nder Louisiana’s Civil Code, “[t]he predominant
property right is ownership, which is a complete, free,
and exclusive right.” See A.N. Yiannopoulos, 2 La. Civ.
L. Treatise, Property § 9 (4th ed.2014) (emphasis added).
Louisiana Civil Code Article 476, appearing in

Book II, “Things and the Different Modifications of
Ownership,” directs: “One may have various rights in
things: 1. Ownership; 2. Personal and predial servitudes;
and 3. Such other real rights as the law allows.” Article
477 of the Civil Code defines “ownership” as “the right
that confers on a person direct, immediate, and exclusive
authority over a thing.” Article 477 further states: “The
owner of a thing may use, enjoy, and dispose of it within
the limits and under the conditions established by law.”
(emphasis added)
12
Faulk v. Union Pac. R.R. Co., 2014-1598, pp. 10-11 (La. 6/30/15); 172 So.3d 1034,
1044-45. Additionally, in accordance with the Louisiana Supreme Court, street
access is a form of property. See Constance v. State Through Dep't of Transp. &
Dev. Office of Highways, 626 So.2d 1151, 1157 (La.1993). Appellees, as the owners
of their respective property, had, among other rights, the rights of use and
enjoyment.22 As the Louisiana Supreme Court concluded in Chambers, such rights
are both recognized and protected by constitutional provisions. 595 So.2d 598, 604.
We find that Appellees satisfy the first prong.
(2) Whether the property at issue has been taken or damaged in a
constitutional sense
In consideration of the second prong, the Louisiana Supreme Court has
explained that “[i]nverse condemnation claims derive from the Taking[s] Clauses
contained in both the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I,
Section 4 of the Louisiana Constitution.” Faulk, 2014-1598, p. 9 (La. 6/30/15), 172
So.3d at 1044. In the constitutional sense, a taking is “any substantial interference
with the free use and enjoyment of property.” Simmons v. Bd. of Comm'rs of Bossier
Levee Dist., 624 So.2d 935, 949 (La. Ct. App.1993). At trial, Appellees proved that
they suffered loss of use and enjoyment of their properties by experiencing noise,
vibrations, dust, loss of access, and loss of parking as well property damage.23 We
find that Appellees satisfied the second prong.
(3) Whether the taking or damage has been for a public purpose pursuant to
La. Const. art. I, §4
22
This Court considers loss of enjoyment a component of loss of use. Burmaster v. Plaquemines
Par. Gov't, 2010-1543, p. 9 (La. App. 4 Cir. 3/30/11); 64 So.3d 312, 319.
23
Later in this opinion we discuss, in detail, Appellees’ damages caused by loss of use and
enjoyment.
13
In consideration of the third and final prong, the taking or damage of
Appellees’ property must have been for a public purpose. This Court has already
recognized that the instant project was for a public purpose. In Holzenthal, this Court
concluded that “it is manifestly evident that providing for improved drainage in an
area that has often been referred to as the ‘bowl’ of the city constitutes a valid public
purpose. 2006-0796, p. 14 (La. App. 4 Cir.), 950 So.2d at 66. Further, “[t]he purpose
of the project was to increase drainage capacity in order to withstand ten-year
rainfall events.” Sewell, 2018-0996, p. 1 (La. App. 4 Cir.), ---So.3d.---. Thus, we find
that Appellees satisfied the third prong – the taking and/or damages sustained were
for a public purpose.
For all of the aforementioned reasons, we find that Appellees were entitled to
damages pursuant to inverse condemnation, and thus we find that the trial court was
correct in concluding the same.
Custodial Liability Pursuant to La. C.C. arts. 2317 and 2317.1
The trial court, as well as this Court in Sewell, found Appellant liable for
damages pursuant to La. C.C. arts. 2317 and 2317.1. Pursuant to La. C.C. art. 2317,
“[w]e are responsible, not only for the damage occasioned by our own act, but for
that which is caused by the act of persons for whom we are answerable, or of the
things which we have in our custody.” Further, La. C.C. art. 2317.1 modifies La.
C.C. art. 2317 to require “proof that: 1) the owner or custodian of a defective thing
has knowledge of the defect, 2) the damage could have been prevented by the
exercise of reasonable care, and 3) the failure to exercise reasonable care.”24 Sewell,
2018-0996, pp. 7-8, ---So.3d---. Pursuant to La. C.C. Art. 2317.1,
24
See Moffitt v. Sewerage & Water Bd. of New Orleans, 2009-1596, p. 5 (La. App. 4 Cir. 5/19/10),
40 So.3d 336, 339 (holding Article 2317 was qualified generally by Article 2317.1).
14
The owner or custodian of a thing is answerable for
damage occasioned by its ruin, vice, or defect, only upon
a showing that he knew or, in the exercise of reasonable
care, should have known of the ruin, vice, or defect which
caused the damage, that the damage could have been
prevented by the exercise of reasonable care, and that he
failed to exercise such reasonable care.
Custodial liability pursuant to La. C.C. art. 231725 is limited as to public
entities by La. R.S. 9:2800,26 which requires additional proof that the public entity
25
The Louisiana Supreme Court explained
It is well-settled law in Louisiana that liability under LA.

CIV.CODE art. 2317 is based upon the relationship, i.e.,
supervision and control, between the person with custody and the
thing posing an unreasonable risk of harm to others. Liability is
imposed based on custody or garde, not just ownership. Thumfart
v. Lombard, 613 So.2d 286, 290 (La. App. 4 Cir.), writ denied sub
nom., Montalbano v. Lombard, 617 So.2d 1182 (La.1993). The
fault of the custodian is based upon his failure to prevent the thing
under his garde from causing an unreasonable risk of injury to
others. Loescher, 324 So.2d at 441; Entrevia, 427 So.2d at
1146. Rather than the loss falling upon some innocent third person,
the loss resulting from the creation of the risk falls upon the person
to whom society allots its garde. Id. The rationale is the custodian
is in a better position than the innocent victim to detect, evaluate,
and take steps to eliminate an unreasonable risk of harm which
arises from the thing. King v. Louviere, 543 So.2d 1327
(La.1989); Ross v. La Coste de Monterville, 502 So.2d 1026
(La.1987).
Dupree v. City of New Orleans, 1999-3651, p.7 (La. 8/31/00), 765 So.2d 1002, 1008-09.
26
Limitation of liability for public bodies is set out in La. R.S. 9:2800 and provides:
A. A public entity is responsible under Civil Code Article 2317 for damages caused by the
condition of buildings within its care and custody.
B. Where other constructions are placed upon state property by someone other than the
state, and the right to keep the improvements on the property has expired, the state shall not be
responsible for any damages caused thereby unless the state affirmatively takes control of and
utilizes the improvement for the state's benefit and use.
C. Except as provided for in Subsections A and B of this Section, no person shall have a
cause of action based solely upon liability imposed under Civil Code Article 2317 against a public
entity for damages caused by the condition of things within its care and custody unless the public
entity had actual or constructive notice of the particular vice or defect which caused the damage
prior to the occurrence, and the public entity has had a reasonable opportunity to remedy the defect
and has failed to do so.
D. Constructive notice shall mean the existence of facts which infer actual knowledge.
E. A public entity that responds to or makes an examination or inspection of any public site
or area in response to reports or complaints of a defective condition on property of which the entity
has no ownership or control and that takes steps to forewarn or alert the public of such defective
condition, such as erecting barricades or warning devices in or adjacent to an area, does not thereby
gain custody, control, or garde of the area or assume a duty to prevent personal injury, wrongful
death, property damage, or other loss as to render the public entity liable unless it is shown that the
entity failed to notify the public entity which does have care and custody of the property of the
defect within a reasonable length of time.
15
had notice and opportunity to repair the defect. Accordingly, to impose custodial
liability against a public entity, a plaintiff must prove that (1) the thing which caused
the damage was owned or in the custody of the public entity; 27 (2) the thing was
defective due to a condition creating an unreasonable risk of harm; (3) the entity had
actual or constructive notice of the defective condition yet failed to take corrective
action within a reasonable period of time; and (4) the defect was the cause of the
plaintiff’s harm. Further, “[b]ecause of the limitations set forth in [La] R.S. 9:2800,
the duty owed by the [the public entity] under either strict liability or negligence
theories is the same.” Moffitt, 2009-1596, p. 6 (La. App. 4 Cir.), 40 So.3d at 340.28
(1) The thing which caused the damage was owned or in the custody of the
public entity
F. A violation of the rules and regulations promulgated by a public entity is not negligence
per se.
G.(1) “Public entity” means and includes the state and any of its branches, departments,
offices, agencies, boards, commissions, instrumentalities, officers, officials, employees, and
political subdivisions and the departments, offices, agencies, boards, commissions,
instrumentalities, officers, officials, and employees of such political subdivisions. Public entity
also includes housing authorities, as defined in R.S. 40:384(15), and their commissioners and other
officers and employees and sewerage and water boards and their employees, servants, agents, or
subcontractors.
(2) "Public site or area" means any publicly owned or common thing, or any privately
owned property over which the public's access is not prohibited, limited, or restricted in some
manner including those areas of unrestricted access such as streets, sidewalks, parks, or public
squares.
27
“[I]n determining whether a thing is in one’s custody or garde, courts should consider (1)
whether the person bears such a relationship as to have the right of direction and control over the
thing; and (2) what, if any, kind of benefit the person derives from the thing.” Dupree, 99-3651, p.
8, 765 So.2d at 1009. (citations omitted). Determining custody or garde of the thing is a fact driven
determination. Dupree, 99-3651, p. 7, 765 So.2d at 1009 (citation omitted). “Although there is a
presumption that an owner has custody or garde of its property, this presumption is rebuttable. One
way to rebut the presumption is by establishing a contractual undertaking by another to maintain
and control the property.” Sewell, 2018-0996, p. 9, ---So.3d.---.
28
Further, “[t]hese theories have historically been distinguished on the basis that negligence
required a finding of notice, while under strict liability there was no requirement of showing that
the defendant knew or should have known of the defect. [citation omitted]. This distinction was
eliminated by La. R.S. 9:2800, which requires proof of either actual or constructive notice of a
defect before a public entity may be held liable for damages caused by the defect. The
requirements are thus now the same for proving either theory. Moffitt, 2009-1596, p. 7, 40 So.3d at
340-41.
16
As a starting point, as provided by La. R.S. 9:2800(G), “sewerage and water
boards and their employees, servant, agents, or subcontractors” are included in the
definition of a public entity. As such, Appellant is a public entity. Further, through
the cooperative endeavor agreement, Appellant had custody of the SELA project,
which caused damage to Appellees’ properties; thus, satisfying the legal requirement
that a public entity owned or had custody of the thing (the SELA project), which
caused the damages to Appellees’ properties.
(a) Whether the entity bears such a relationship as to have the right of
direction and control over the thing
In consideration of custody, this Court, in Sewell, found that “[Appellant]
owned and maintained direction and control over the SELA Project. As previously
discussed, [Appellant] owned the SELA drainage systems and was responsible for
the design, operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of the SELA drainage
system. [Appellant] also participated in monthly meetings concerning SELA
construction, as well as received complaints from property owners.” 2018-0996, p.
9-10, ---So.3d.---. Similarly, the trial court, in its reasons for judgment, 29 reasoned
that Appellant has control and authority over the SELA project because Appellant is
responsible for the public drainage system in New Orleans, and Appellant contracted
with USACE to engineer and execute the project. The trial court further reasoned
that Appellant had access to the work sites and actively participated in the project
oversight and construction plan modification. A review of the record reveals that
Appellant was responsible for much of the design and execution of the SELA
29
This Court has explained that “[i]t is a ‘well-settled rule that the district court’s oral or written
reasons for judgment form no part of the judgment, and that appellate courts review judgments, not
reasons for judgment.’” Dawson v. Gray & Gray, 2018-0380, p. 9 (La. App. 4 Cir. 10/24/18), ---
So.3d.---. Further, “[t]he written reasons for judgment are merely an explication of the trial court’s
determinations.” Id.
17
drainage project. The trial court took judicial notice that Appellant is both the owner
and controller of the SELA drainage project. We agree, and find that the trial court’s
conclusion was correct.
(b) Benefit the entity derives from the thing
The trial court, in its reasons for judgment, reasoned that Appellant derives a
benefit because the SELA project’s purpose is to improve the public drainage system
for which Appellant is responsible. This Court, in Sewell, concluded that “there is no
dispute that [Appellant], as the entity responsible for public drainage in New
Orleans, derived a substantial benefit from the SELA Project.” 2018-0996, p. 10, ---
So.3d.---.
We find that the construction activities that caused Appellees’ harm was
controlled by Appellant, a public entity. As such, Appellant satisfied the first prong.
(2) The thing was defective due to a condition creating an unreasonable risk
of harm
The Louisiana Supreme Court explained that “[w]hether
a risk is unreasonable is ‘a matter wed to the facts’ and must be determined in light
of the facts and surrounding circumstances of each particular case.” Dupree, 1999-
3651, pp. 13-14, 765 So.2d at 1012. Further, “[t]here is no fixed rule for determining
whether the thing presents an unreasonable risk of harm. To assist the trier-of-fact,
we note that many factors are to be considered and weighed, including: (1) the
claims and interests of the parties; (2) the probability of the risk occurring; (3) the
gravity of the consequences; (4) the burden of adequate precautions; (5) individual
and societal rights and obligations; and (6) the social utility involved.” Id.
18
Prior to the start of the SELA drainage project, Appellant was aware that the
construction activities, specifically vibrations, presented a risk of harm to
surrounding properties, including that of Appellees. A brochure, made available
through a website maintained by Appellant and at public meetings, acknowledged
the potential impact of the construction activities on the surrounding properties. The
brochure explained that noise and vibrations from moving and operating heavy
equipment could impact structures located within close proximity. The
Programmatic Agreement that Appellant signed in April 2010 explained that the
SELA drainage project posed a risk of adverse effects to surrounding properties. The
Programmatic Agreement also mapped out surrounding structures susceptible to
indeterminate damage as a consequence of construction vibrations. Importantly, the
Programmatic Agreement provided that construction activities were to be performed
in a manner to limit vibrations at the structures nearest the construction activity to a
maximum of 0.25 ppv. Vibration monitoring reports for the Jefferson II SELA phase
demonstrated that the established threshold of 0.25 ppv was exceeded on forty-four
percent of the days of construction. Vibration monitoring reports for the Napoleon
III phase demonstrated that the threshold of 0.25 ppv established was exceeded on
numerous occasions. The trial court took judicial notice that [Appellant] anticipated
adverse consequences to properties near the SELA Project construction due to
construction-related vibrations.
Appellant was aware of the risks that the construction activities posed to
Appellees’ property. However, Appellant permitted construction activities to proceed
in a manner that exceeded the permissible threshold, which posed an unreasonable
19
risk of harm to Appellees. Thus, based on the aforementioned, we find that
Appellees satisfied this prong.
(3) The public entity had actual or constructive notice of the defective
condition yet failed to take corrective action within a reasonable period of
time
In consideration of notice, as contemplated by La. R.S. 9:2800, “[a]ctual
notice is provided by reporting the defect to a governmental employee who has a
duty “either to keep the property involved in good repair or to report dangerous
conditions to the proper authorities.” Hanson v. Benelli, 1997-1467, p. 14 (La. App.
4 Cir. 9/30/98,); 719 So.2d 627, 636. This Court, in Sewell, reasoned that
[p]rior to construction, [Appellant] was aware of

the risk and anticipated damages to surrounding property
caused from vibrations throughout SELA Project
construction. During construction, [Appellant] received
reports that the construction vibrations were regularly
exceeding a peak particle velocity of .25 inches per
second, which was a significant factor in causing
property damage. The property owners also reported the
issues directly to [Appellant] through its hotline.
Furthermore, there is nothing to indicate that the
[Appellant] took any corrective measures in the two to
four-and-a-half years this project continued. Since
[Appellees] established that [Appellant] failed to timely
correct the defect after receiving actual notice pursuant
to La. R.S. 9:2800, the trial court did not err in finding
[Appellant] liable under [La. C.C.] Article[s] 2317 and
2317.1.”
2018-0996, p. 11 (La. App. 4 Cir. ), ---So.3d. at --- .
In the instant matter, the trial court took judicial notice that Appellant
maintained a hotline whereby complaints about the construction activities were
logged. The trial court also took judicial notice that Appellant received numerous
complaints of property damages and disturbances from the SELA Project
construction on the hotline, and despite these complaints, Appellant failed to take
20
any action to prevent property damage. We find that Appellant had notice of the
defective condition, but failed to take corrective action; thus, Appellees have
satisfied this prong.
(4) The Defect was the Cause of the Plaintiff’s Harm
The brochure explained that vibrations caused by construction activities could
cause damage to Appellees’ properties. As discussed, in detail, later in this opinion,
Stradford Goins (“Mr. Goins”), an expert in civil and structural engineering who
testified on behalf of Appellees, concluded that construction activities caused
damage to Appellees’ properties. Thus, we find that this prong is satisfied.
For the aforementioned reasons, we find that the trial court did not err in
finding Appellant liable pursuant to La. C.C. arts. 2317 and 2317.1.
Trial Court’s Award of Damages
Both Appellant and Appellees raise numerous assignments of error regarding
the trial court’s award of damages. Before addressing the substance of these
arguments, we list the trial court’s awards as follows:
1. Elio, Charlotte, and Benito Brancaforte – 1201 Jefferson Avenue/5351 Coliseum
Street
Property Damage $35,000.00
Loss of Use and Enjoyment $48,589.10
Out-of-Pocket Expenses $1,300.00
Lost Rents $22,300.00
Total $107,189.10
2. Dr. Josephine Brown – 5524 Prytania Street

Out-of-Pocket Expenses $0.00
Total $79,785.40
3. Robert Parke and Nancy Ellis – 5419 Prytania Street

21
Total $92,792.35
4. Mark Hamrick – 1300-1302 Jefferson Avenue

Lost Rents $0.00
Total $52,901.30
5. Dr. Robert and Charlotte Link – 5534-36 Prytania Street
Lost Rents30 $41,838.00

Lost Rents $18,500.00
Total $104,961.17
6. Ross and Laurel McDiarmid – 5429 Prytania Street

Total $74,967.55
7. Jerry Osborne – 5518 Prytania Street

Total $89,880.00
8. Jack Stolier – 1408 Jefferson Avenue

Total $74,992.00
9. Dr. William Taylor – 5432-34 Prytania Street

Total $87,615.60
10. Watson Memorial Spiritual Temple of Christ – 4400 St. Charles Avenue

Lost Profits $98,788.00
Total $233,788.00
30
In the trial court’s final judgment, “lost rents” is listed twice; this is obviously an error. In the
trial court’s reasons for judgment, the award of $44,198.00 is for property damage. This is fully
addressed later in this opinion.
22
Loss of Use and Enjoyment
Appellant raises numerous assignments of error that address the trial court’s
award for loss of use and enjoyment experienced by Appellees associated with dust,
daytime and nighttime noise, vibration, and loss of access and parking as a result of
the construction activities. The crux of Appellant’s argument is that the trial court’s
award for loss of use and enjoyment should be recategorized as mental anguish –
Appellant asserts that Appellees are not entitled to damages for mental anguish.
Further, Appellant argues that Appellees must tolerate the disturbances and
inconveniences of the construction activities pursuant to La. C.C. art. 668.31
Appellant further argues that because the construction activities were to benefit the
public good, the mere inconveniences suffered by Appellees were not compensable.
In Mossy Motors, Inc. v. Sewerage & Water Bd. of City of New Orleans,32 another
case similar to the instant consolidated appeal, this Court examined whether
“construction activity resulted in inconveniences that must be tolerated by the
claimant under [La. C.C.] Article 668 or, rather, resulted in more serious
inconveniences or interference that may be actionable under [La. C.C.] Article
31
La. C.C. art. 668 provides:
Although one be not at liberty to make any work by which his neighbor’s buildings may be
damaged, yet every one has the liberty of doing on his own ground whatsoever he pleases,
although it should occasion some inconvenience to his neighbor.
Thus he who is not subject to any servitude originating from a particular agreement in that
respect, may raise his house as high as he pleases, although by such elevation he should darken the
lights of his neighbors’s [neighbor's] house, because this act occasions only an inconvenience, but
not a real damage.
32
In Mossy, plaintiff, a car dealership, filed suit against the New Orleans Sewerage and Water
Board for property damage that resulted from the construction of a pumping station. This Court
found Appellant strictly liable for damage to plaintiff’s property and concluded that the property
damage constituted inverse condemnation. SWB was found to be 100% liable for property damage,
plaintiff was entitled to compensation for loss of business, SWB was not entitled to contractual
indemnity from contractor, and plaintiff was not entitled to damages for mental anguish.
23
667.”33 1998-0495, p. 7 (La. App. 4 Cir. 5/12/99); 753 So.2d 269, 275. In Mossy, just
as the instant consolidated appeal, this Court concluded that Appellees suffered
taking and or damage to their property that “amounts to more than the mere
inconvenience to be tolerated under [La. C.C.] Article 668.” Id. at p. 8; 753 So.2d at
275.
Appellees assert that Appellant’s argument attempts to pick apart expert
findings as to loss of use and enjoyment; Appellees assert that Appellant presented
no controverting expert testimony. Appellees argue that the trial court’s award of
damages for loss of use and enjoyment are reasonable, and in some instances, low.
We find that Appellant’s argument is misplaced and without merit.
This Court, in Sewell, reasoned the following:

The prior version did not define the types of
damages to be included as just compensation for the full
extent of the loss. The current version of La. Const. art. I,
§ 4(B)(5), as amended in 2006, specifically explains:
“[T]he full extent of the loss shall include, but not be
limited to, the appraised value of the property and all
costs of relocation, inconvenience, and any other
damages actually incurred by the owner....” Given that
the current constitutional article includes just
compensation damages for “inconvenience and other
damages actually incurred,” the trial court did not err in
awarding damages for loss of use and enjoyment of their
properties when awarding just compensation. [Emphasis
supplied.]
33
La. C.C. art. 667 provides:
Although a proprietor may do with his estate whatever he pleases, still he cannot make any
work on it, which may deprive his neighbor of the liberty of enjoying his own, or which may be the
cause of any damage to him. However, if the work he makes on his estate deprives his neighbor of
enjoyment or causes damage to him, he is answerable for damages only upon a showing that he
knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known that his works would cause
damage, that the damage could have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable care, and that he
failed to exercise such reasonable care. Nothing in this Article shall preclude the court from the
application of the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur in an appropriate case. Nonetheless, the proprietor
is answerable for damages without regard to his knowledge or his exercise of reasonable care, if
the damage is caused by an ultrahazardous activity. An ultrahazardous activity as used in this
Article is strictly limited to pile driving or blasting with explosives.
24
2018-0996, p. 19, ---So.3d.---. Accordingly, while La. Const. Art. I, § 4 “limits
[p]laintiffs’ recovery to property damages[, it] does not preclude them from
recovering damages for the loss of use of enjoyment of their property, mental
anguish, irritation, anxiety, discomfort, and embarrassment under Article
667 or Article 2315.” Arnold v. Town of Ball, 1994-972, p. 10 (La. App. 3 Cir.
2/1/95), 651 So.2d 313, 321 (emphasis added).
Both Appellant and Appellees called several expert witnesses to opine
damages. At trial, Dr. Wade Ragas (“Dr. Ragas”)34 testified on behalf of Appellees
as an expert in real estate development, valuation and market analysis,
externalities,35 and loss of use of property.36 Dr. Ragas noted that Appellees
experienced physical property damage, vibrations, dust in the homes, loss of access
and parking, and noise. These factors, in addition to the total impact of the
construction, contributed to the calculation of damages. Dr. Ragas testified that, as a
result of the construction, Appellees suffered a loss of rights37 of ownership and,
therefore, Appellees are entitled to compensation. It is worth noting that while
Appellant picks apart Dr. Ragas’ findings in relation to the award of damages,
Appellant did not present an expert witness to controvert Dr. Ragas’ testimony.
34
Dr. Ragas also testified in the Sewell trial.
35
Dr. Ragas explained that “[a]n externality occurs when you have a real estate use that is completely
consistent with requirements of the law or regulations, but this use is imposed upon it, and in doing so,
diminishes the value of the property, and that's an externality that's affecting the property.”
36
Prior to testifying, Dr. Ragas visited each property and interviewed the property owners. He was
joined by an engineer for these inspections.
37
Dr. Ragas outlined the following rights: reasonable expectation of privacy; free of disturbances
of a recurring nature affecting their use; exclusive right of use; sale and lease of right of use; safety
and security of the premises; a lack of things that could introduce any form of bodily injury; access
to their driveways; and no extraordinary noise, vibration, or dust recurring for long periods of time.
25
At trial, Dr. Rune Storesund (“Dr. Storesund”) testified on behalf of Appellees
as an expert in geotechnical engineering.38 Dr. Storesund evaluated the types of
damages likely to be produced by the construction. According to Dr. Storesund, the
vibration monitoring data collected during construction was incomplete and
unreliable; however, Dr. Storesund determined that Appellees experienced excessive
vibration and noise.
At trial, Dr. James Bob Bailey (Dr. Bailey”), a licensed professional engineer,
testified on behalf of Appellant as an expert in structural engineering.39 Dr. Bailey
studied the potential causes of Appellees’ property damage. Dr. Bailey considered
the properties’ age, construction type, and layout, and compared the properties’
preconstruction and post-construction condition. Dr. Bailey reasoned that if the
property damage was caused by the construction, the properties located nearest the
construction activities would have sustained more severe damage, and the extent of
property damage should diminish in severity in areas further from the construction
activities; instead, the property damage was widespread. Dr. Bailey concluded that
the property damage could have been caused by some distress other than the
construction activities.
At trial, Dr. David Sykora, a licensed professional engineer, testified on behalf
of Appellant as an expert in geotechnical engineering.40 Dr. Sykora physically
inspected Appellees’ properties. Dr. Sykora analyzed the ground conditions of each
property and reasoned that the properties would settle over time. Dr. Sykora opined
that such settlement would have occurred regardless of the construction activities. In
38
Dr. Storesund testified at the Sewell trial.
39
Dr. Bailey testified at the Sewell trial.
40
Dr. Sykora testified at the Sewell trial.
26
summary, Dr. Sykora reasoned that the construction did not cause the property
damage; rather settling and other factors caused the damage.
When presented with testimony from numerous expert witnesses,
[t]he law is well-settled that where the testimony

of expert witnesses differs, the trier of fact has great
discretion in determining the credibility of the evidence,
and a finding of fact in this regard will not be overturned
unless clearly wrong. DeSambourg v. Board of Com’rs
for Grand Prairie Levee Dist., 608 So.2d 1100, 1108 (La.
App. 4th Cir.1992), affirmed, 621 So.2d 602 (La.1993),
citing A. Copeland Enterprises v. Harimaw, Inc., 528
So.2d 707 (La. App. 5th Cir.1988), writ denied 531 So.2d
475 (La.1988).
The assessment of credibility of

competing expert witnesses is best left to the trier of fact,
who has the opportunity to observe the respective
demeanor of the witnesses. Cash v. Charter Marketing
Co., 607 So.2d 1036, 1039 (La. App. 3 Cir.1992).
Where there is evidence before the trier of fact

which, upon its reasonable evaluation as to credibility,
furnishes a reasonable basis for the trial court's finding, it
should not be disturbed in the absence of manifest
error. Ardoin v. Evangeline Parish School Bd., 376 So.2d
372, 373–374 (La. App. 3d Cir.1979).
Koepp v. Sea-Land Serv., Inc., 1993-2562, p. 12 (La. App. 4 Cir. 11/17/94); 645
So.2d 1269, 1276.
At trial, Kevin Vanderbrook,41 a licensed engineer and owner of VEC
Consulting,42 testified, as a fact witness, on behalf of Appellant. Mr. Vanderbrook
had inspected Watson Appellee’s roof for damage on three (3) separate occasions: in
March 2011 following a hail/windstorm, in August 2012 following Hurricane Isaac,
and in May 2016 following a claim for water intrusion that resulted from a
rainstorm. At each inspection, he examined both the interior and exterior of the
41
Mr. Vanderbrook was not tendered as an expert witness.
42
VECO Consulting is a consulting engineering firm that provides services to the legal and
insurance industries.
27
property. Following the 2011 inspection, Mr. Vanderbrook determined that the
damage to the interior of the building was caused “[p]rimarily… [by] a lack of
maintenance on the roof and the gutter system” that led to “long-term water
intrusion.”43 Following the 2012 inspection, Mr. Vanderbrook determined that the
roof damage had not been caused by Hurricane Isaac. Instead, he observed that
“[e]ssentially, the church was in the exact same condition it was in [during his
previous] inspection from 2011.” Mr. Vanderbrook observed no signs of repair since
the 2011 inspection. Following the 2016 inspection, Mr. Vanderbrook observed no
new roof damage and no signs of repair since his previous inspection in 2012.
The trial court took judicial notice that “the SELA Project construction
activities on Jefferson II and Napoleon III created constant noise, dust, dirt, and
blocked access.”
Appellees Brancaforte testified that the construction activities began in the
summer of 2013; the construction activities occurred directly in front of their home,
and the intersection of Coliseum Street and Jefferson Avenue was used as a staging
area. Appellees Brancaforte also testified that the construction activities ended in late
2016, approximately three and one-half years after it began. During the SELA
drainage project, construction activities produced dust, noise, and vibrations.
Appellees Brancaforte testified that construction activities began at 7:00 a.m. on
weekdays and ended at nighttime; sometimes, construction activities occurred on the
weekends. Appellees explained that the noise produced by the construction activities
was an aggravation that disrupted their ability to sleep and work from home.
Appellees Brancaforte stated that the construction activities produced lots of dust,
43
Mr. Vanderbrook concluded that hail; could not have caused the damage that was present.
28
which irritated their allergies. During the construction, the neighborhood
experienced a rodent infestation. Dr. Ragas estimated that Appellees Brancaforte
suffered a forty percent loss in monthly rental value. The trial court reasoned that
because the nighttime noise was not a daily occurrence, the trial court reduced Dr.
Ragas’ estimate by five percent. Additionally, because Appellees Brancaforte were
away from their property for the majority of the summers, the entirety of 2015, Fall
2016, and Spring 2017;44 however, Dr. Ragas failed to consider Appellees
Brancaforte’s absence from the property in his calculations. Thus, the trial court
reduced Dr. Ragas’ estimate by one-third.
Appellee Brown testified that she began experiencing adverse effects of the
construction activities in June 2013; trucks and other construction vehicle would
speed down her street, which caused her property to shake and vibrate. Appellee
Brown explained that the construction took place directly in front of her property and
lasted approximately three and one-half years. Construction activities would begin at
approximately 6:45 a.m., when the construction workers would arrive, lasted until
the early evening, and would occur on the weekends. Appellee Brown stated that the
construction activities would disrupt her sleep. In addition to the vibrations, Appellee
Brown also testified that she experienced noise as a result of the construction
activities. Appellee Brown stated that she would wear earplugs in an attempt to
drown out the constant noise. During the project, generators were brought onsite and
operated throughout the night. Because of the noise produced by the construction
activities, Appellee Brown’s son moved from his bedroom in the front of the house
to a bedroom upstairs; this disruption to his routine aggravated his bipolar disorder
44
Appellees Brancaforte’s absence was due to professional obligations.
29
and he was hospitalized twice during the duration of the construction project.
Appellee Brown explained that the construction activities sent dust into her home.
Appellee Brown stated that she lost privacy because construction workers would
look into her yard. According to Appellee Brown, construction workers neglected to
properly store or dispose of their lunches and the city stopped collecting trash, which
attracted rodents. A sinkhole developed in front of Appellee Brown’s property. Dr.
Ragas estimated that Appellee Brown suffered a fifty-five percent loss in monthly
rental value of her home. While Dr. Ragas estimated that Appellee Brown should be
awarded the full amount for nighttime noise, the trial court reasoned that the
evidence and testimony provided did not show that nighttime noise was a daily
occurrence; for that reason, the trial court reduced Dr. Ragas’ estimate by five
percent.
Appellees Ellis testified that they were impacted by construction activities
beginning July 2013 when their block was used as a staging area for construction; at
that point, their property was cut-off by the equipment stored on her block. Their
block reopened in late 2016. The construction took place directly outside their
property. Appellees Ellis testified that the construction noise was a daily occurrence.
Appellees Ellis stated that they could hear the construction workers arrive at 6:30
a.m. each day; construction would end around dark, but would occasionally extend
into the night and weekend. In addition to the noise, Appellees Ellis could feel the
vibrations in the house. Despite being told, at a community meeting held by
Appellant, that construction would last six to nine months, the construction lasted
years. Instead of regular trash collection, a large dumpster was placed on the street
and the trash remained for weeks at a time; a rodent infestation resulted. In addition
30
to the dumpster, a portable toilet for the construction workers was positioned near
her home. Dr. Ragas testified that Appellees Ellis suffered a fifty percent loss in
monthly rent value, and awarded the full amount for nighttime noise. Because the
trial court reasoned that the evidence did not show that nighttime noise was a daily
occurrence, the trial court reduced Dr. Ragas’ suggested award for nighttime noise
by five percent.
Appellee Hamrick testified that construction activities began near his home in
June 2013 and ended in December 2016. According to Appellee Hamrick,
construction activities began early each morning and ended after dark and sometimes
extended into the night and weekend. Appellee Hamrick stated that he experienced
constant noise and vibrations generated by the construction work. Pumps and
generators ran throughout the night. Appellee Hamrick testified that he developed
difficulty sleeping. As a result of the dust and dirt produced by the construction
activities, Appellee Hamrick experienced an upper respiratory infection that
ultimately led to a ruptured eardrum. Dr. Ragas estimated that Appellee Hamrick
suffered forty percent loss in monthly rent value. In his calculations for loss of use
and enjoyment, Dr. Ragas included the square footage of Appellee Hamrick’s rental
units. Because the square footage of rental units that were also used as rental
property were excluded from the calculations for loss of use and enjoyment in
Sewell, the trial court reduced by one-half the total square footage used in Dr. Ragas’
calculation of Appellee Hamrick’s loss of use and enjoyment.
Appellees Link testified that the construction activities began in July 2013 and
did not end until 2016. Appellees Link explained that construction activities began
early in the morning and ended after dark and would sometimes extend into the
31
weekend. Appellees Link complained that they could feel vibration caused by trucks
and heavy construction equipment. It was difficult for Appellees Link to sleep and
work from home. Generators and pumps operated continuously. At one point, a
sinkhole formed. The construction activities produced lots of dust. Dr. Ragas
testified that Appellees Link suffered forty-five percent loss in monthly rent value.
Dr. Ragas estimated that Appellees Link were entitled to full value for noise, but the
trial court reduced the amount by five percent because the evidence and testimony
provided did not show that nighttime noise was a daily occurrence. Although
Appellees Link occupied only one side of a double, Dr. Ragas included in his
calculations the square footage of both sides of the double even though the other side
was used as rental property. In line with Sewell, the trial court reduced the square
footage by one-half.
Appellees McDiarmid testified that construction activities took place directly
in front of their home. Construction activities began in the summer of 2013, and did
not end until late 2016. According to Appellees McDiarmid, construction activities
began at 7:30 a.m. each morning and would end mid-afternoon; at times, the
construction activities would extend into the night and weekend. Generators and
pumps operated throughout the night. To combat the noise produced by the
construction activities, Appellees McDiarmid would wear earplugs. Because their
property was surrounded by construction activities, they could not change internet
services or install gas in their home because those service providers could not access
their property. As a result of the construction activities, they experienced numerous
power outages and their home flooded because the catch basins outside their
property had not been properly connected to the main sewer line. Dr. Ragas
32
estimated that Appellees McDiarmid suffered a forty percent loss in monthly rent
value. The trial court awarded $46,967.55 for loss of use and enjoyment for forty-
one (41) months.
Appellees Osborne testified that they were adversely impacted by the
construction activities beginning in June 2014. Appellees Osborne stated that each
day, construction activities began at 7:30 a.m., but always ended at different times;
sometimes construction activities lasted into the night and weekend. Appellees
Osborne testified that the construction activities generated vibrations and noise. Dr.
Ragas estimated that Appellees Osborne suffered a forty percent decrease in monthly
rent value. Because the trial court reasoned that evidence proved that Appellees
Osborne were impacted by the construction activities for thirty (30) months, not
forty (40) months, the trial court adjusted the award accordingly.
Appellee Stolier testified he was adversely impacted by construction activities
from summer 2013 until fall 2016; construction took place directly in front of his
property. According to Appellee Stolier, construction began each morning around
6:30 a.m. and extended into the night and weekend. Appellee Stolier testified that he
experienced noise and vibrations produced by the construction activities. Appellee
Stolier also testified that the construction activities produced mud and dirt that would
get tracked into his property. According to Appellee Stolier, utility services, such as
water and electricity, were shut off intermittently and without warning. Dr. Ragas
estimated that Appellee suffered a forty percent decrease in monthly rental value.
Because the trial court reasoned that evidence proved that Appellee Stolier was
impacted by the construction activities for thirty-six (36) months, not forty-one (41)
months, the trial court adjusted the award accordingly.
33
Appellee Taylor testified that the construction activities took place directly in
front of his home began in July 2013 and ended in late 2016. Appellee Taylor also
testified that the area near his property was used as a staging area where heavy
equipment and construction vehicles constantly traveled. According to Appellee
Taylor, construction began each day at 6:30 a.m. and ended at night and would
extend into the weekend. Appellee Taylor explained that he experienced noise,
vibration, debris, dust, and dirt produced by construction activities. According to
Appellee Taylor, large dumpsters containing construction workers’ food and waste
caused a rodent infestation in the neighborhood. A sinkhole formed near Appellee
Taylor’s property. Dr. Ragas estimated that Appellee suffered a forty-five percent
decrease in monthly rent value. Dr. Ragas estimated that Appellee Taylor was
entitled to the full amount of daytime noise. Because Appellee Taylor worked
outside of the home during the day, the trial court reduced the amount by five
percent.
Loss of Access and Parking
Appellant argues that the trial court’s award for loss of parking and loss of
access was excessive.45 Appellant further argues that the trial court awarded damages
for loss of parking based on the square footage of Appellees’ homes, which
Appellant believes was error because the award should be based on the number of
parking spots lost, not the square footage of the property. Appellant also argues that
the trial court erred in awarding damages for loss of access. Appellees assert that the
trial court only awarded damages for loss of private parking, not public parking.
Appellees clarify that the trial court awarded damages for the number of driveway
45
Appellant conceded that driveways on Prytania Street blocked by construction fence may have
constituted a taking.
34
parking spots lost, not the square footage of the property as Appellant asserts.
Appellees further assert that Dr. Ragas estimated damages for loss of parking based
on the number of driveway parking spots, not the square footage of the home. The
trial court took judicial notice that Appellant knew that the quality of life for nearby
residents would be disrupted because of the limited access and traffic issues caused
by the SELA Project construction.
Appellees Brancaforte testified that construction activities began in front of
their home in the summer of 2013, continued three and one-half years, and ended
late 2016. Appellees Brancaforte explained that, as a result of the construction
activities, they had restricted access to their property; cross streets could close and
re-open intermittently and without notice. Additionally, their carport was, at times,
blocked, which forced Appellees to park elsewhere. The restricted access and
parking was difficult for the elderly Appellees Brancaforte. The trial court awarded
$48,589.10 for loss of use and enjoyment for a period of forty-one (41) months.
Appellee Brown testified that Prytania Street was closed during construction,
which forced her to park on other streets. Appellee Brown explained that
intersections were closed and traffic was rerouted, which affected the access to her
property. Appellee Brown also explained, that as a result of the construction
activities, her driveway buckled. Dr. Ragas suggested an award to Appellee Brown
of fifteen percent (15%) for the loss of use of her driveway. However, because the
maximum amount awarded for loss of parking in Sewell was ten percent (10%), the
trial court reduced its award for loss of parking to ten percent (10%).
Appellees Ellis testified that construction activities began in July 2013, and
access to their property was almost immediately restricted because construction
35
equipment was stored on their block. Once construction concluded in 2016, their
block was one of the last to be reopened. Appellees Ellis further explained that
construction took place directly in front of their property, which shut down their
street and prevented them from parking at their property. Appellees Ellis testified
that they had to park, at the furthest, five blocks from their property and that while
their vehicle was parked on side streets, it was struck three times throughout the
duration of the construction activities. Appellees Ellis also testified that the impact of
the restricted access and parking was magnified at night because the lack of street
lights and black construction tarp made it difficult to see and the buckled sidewalks
made it difficult to walk. The trial court awarded $63,892.35 for loss of use and
enjoyment for a period of forty-one (41 months).
Appellee Hamrick testified that his driveway was often blocked by
construction vehicles and construction workers’ personal vehicles. Dr. Ragas
estimated a ten percent (10%) for loss of use of parking. Because Dr. Ragas admitted
that he was unsure whether Appellee loss use of his driveway, the trial court reduced
Dr. Ragas’ estimated amount to zero.
Appellees Link testified that long-term street closures due to construction
activities prevented parking near their home; instead, they were forced to park two to
three blocks away. Because Appellees Link’s property does not have private parking,
the trial court reduced Dr. Ragas’ suggested award for loss of parking to zero.
Appellees McDiarmid testified that prior to construction activities, they were
able to park in front there home; after construction activities began, they were forced
to park on side streets. Twice, their vehicle was struck. Because Appellees
36
McDiarmid did not have private parking, the trial court reduced Dr. Ragas’ estimate
for loss of parking to zero.
Appellees Osborne testified that, as a result of the construction activities,
parking and access to their property was restricted. Appellees Osborne had difficulty
transporting their groceries and grandchildren to their home, especially after dark. A
sinkhole developed adjacent to Appellees Osborne’s property. The trial court
awarded Appellees Osborne $54,480.00 for loss of use and enjoyment for a period of
thirty (30) months.
Appellees Stolier testified that construction took place directly in front of their
property, the street was dug up on both sides, and traffic was rerouted; as a result,
access to their property was severely restricted. According to Appellee Stolier, street
parking became competitive and on several occasions they were forced to park
blocks from their home. Appellees Stolier explained that the limited access to their
home made it difficult for their parents and in-laws to visit and posed safety concerns
after dark. The trial court awarded $61,992.00 for loss of use and enjoyment for a
period of thirty-six (36) months.
Appellee Taylor testified that construction took place directly in front of his
home; although his property had a driveway, he was unable to access it during the
duration of the construction. The streets surrounding Appellee Taylor’s home were
closed, often without warning, during the construction activities. The trial court
awarded Appellee Taylor $63,615.60 for loss of use and enjoyment for a period of
forty-one (41) months.
“The owner of land abutting a public roadway has a property right
of access (ingress and egress) to the roadway. If a public authority substantially
37
interferes with the owner's right of access, the owner has a cause of action under the
constitution for just compensation.” State, Dep't of Transp. & Dev. v. Traina, 537
So.2d 792, 795 (La. Ct. App.1989), writ denied, 540 So.2d 332 (La.1989)
The Louisiana Supreme Court, in Chambers, explained
Although our state constitution recognizes that

every person has the right to acquire, use and dispose of
private property, this right is subject to reasonable
statutory restrictions and the reasonable exercise of the
police power. La. Const. art. I, § 4 (1989). In fact,
general interest takes precedence over that of individuals,
and any individual must yield any particular property to
the community, should it become necessary for the
general use. La. Civ. Code Ann. art. 2626 (West 1952). A
landowner's right of ownership is also limited by Civil
Code articles 667 and 668, which require that he tolerate
some inconvenience from the lawful use of a neighbor’s
land.
...
While property may be taken or damaged by the

state or its political subdivisions for public purposes in
the exercise of police power, just compensation is
constitutionally required. According to Chambers, 595
So.2d at 602, the change in La. Const. art I, § 4, which
required that the owner in every expropriation shall be
compensated for property “taken or damaged ... to the
full extent of his loss,” revealed a desire to increase the
level and scope of compensation beyond that provided by
pre-existing state law.
...
the landowner’s constitutional right to acquire, use and
dispose of private property prohibits the state from
physically taking or damaging his property without
compensation, even for a public purpose.
626 So.2d 1151, 1155-56 (La.1993). Earlier in this opinion, we determined that
access to property is a recognized property right and that Appellees sustained a
taking or damage, in a constitutional sense, under the theory of inverse
condemnation as a result of Appellant’s construction activities. Thus, we find that
the trial court did not err in awarding damages for loss of access and parking.
38
Because the trial court based its award on the number of months each property was
affected, as well as from the evidence presented and the testimony provided, we find
that this the trial court did not abuse its discretion and further, the trial court’s award
was reasonable and not excessive.
Property Damage46
In general, Appellees’ assignments of error, in their cross-appeal, address
whether the trial court’s award of property damage is too low and should be
increased.
The Louisiana Supreme Court opined “that in addition to property damages
resulting from this inverse condemnation, plaintiffs are also entitled to general
damages under Article 2315.” Williams v. City of Baton Rouge, 1998-1981, p. 10
(La. 4/13/99), 731 So.2d 240, 248. “Landowners are also entitled to recover damages
under La.Civ.Code art. 2315 for mental anguish, loss of use, loss of enjoyment,
irritation, anxiety, discomfort, and embarrassment when their property is
appropriated.” Roy v. Belt, 2003-1022, p. 10 (La. App. 3 Cir. 2/18/04, 10); 868 So.2d
209, 215. As provided in La. C.C. art. 2315 (A), “[e]very act whatever of man that
causes damage to another obliges him by whose fault it happened to repair it.”
Further, the Louisiana Supreme Court, in Roman Catholic Church of Archdiocese of
New Orleans v. Louisiana Gas Serv. Co., explained:
One injured through the fault of another is entitled

to full indemnification for damages caused thereby.
Coleman v. Victor, 326 So.2d 344 (La.1976); Jordan v.
Travelers Ins. Co., 257 La. 995, 245 So.2d 151 (1971). In
such a case, “[t]he obligation of defendant ... is to
indemnify plaintiff-to put him in the position that he
would have occupied if the injury complained of had not
been inflicted on him.” Coleman v. Victor, supra, at 346,
quoting, Lambert v. American Box Co., 144 La. 604, 613,
46
The trial court took judicial notice that the Jefferson II and Napoleon III SELA phases
construction caused new or exacerbated pre-existing damage to the Appellees’ properties.
39
81 So. 95, 98 (1919). See also, Ayala v. Bailey Elec. Co.
Inc., 318 So.2d 645 (La. App. 4th Cir.1975).
Consequently, “[w]hen property is damaged

through the legal fault of another, the primary objective
is to restore the property as nearly as possible to the state
it was in immediately preceding the damage....” Coleman
v. Victor, supra, at 346. Accordingly, “the measure of
damages is the cost of restoring the property to its former
condition. In assessing damage to property, generally,
courts have considered the cost of restoration as the
proper measure of damage where the thing damaged can
be adequately repaired.” Id. at 346-47, citing Lambert v.
American Box Co., supra; Hayward v. Carraway, 180
So.2d 758 (La. App. 1st Cir.1965), writ ref. 248 La. 909,
182 So.2d 662 (1966). “[N]o mechanical rule can be
applied with exactitude in the assessment of property
damage under Article 2315.” Coleman v. Victor, supra,
at 347, citing Jordan v. Travelers Ins. Co., supra.
These basic precepts have been reaffirmed and
strengthened indirectly by the Declaration of the Right to
Property of our state constitution. Article I, § 4 of the
Louisiana Constitution of 1974, in pertinent part,
provides:
“Every person has the right to acquire,

own, control, use, enjoy, protect, and
dispose of private property.... Property shall
not be taken or damaged by the state or its
political subdivisions except for public
purposes and with just compensation paid to
the owner or into court for his benefit.... In
every expropriation, a party has the right to
trial by jury to determine compensation, and
the owner shall be compensated to the full
extent of his loss.”
Thus, our constitution does not simply require that

the owner of condemned or damaged property be
compensated with the market value of the property taken
and severance damage to his remainder, but that he be
“compensated to the full extent of his loss” and “placed
in as good a position pecuniarily as [he] enjoyed prior to
the taking.” State v. Bitterwolf, 415 So.2d 196, 199
(La.1982), quoting State v. Constant, 369 So.2d 699, 702
(La.1979). Accordingly, justice, reason, and the principle
of full reparation of Louisiana Civil Code article 2315
require that where an individual’s property is damaged
unlawfully by a tortfeasor for no good reason, he be
compensated at least as fully as when his property is
damaged by the state for a public purpose pursuant to the
owner's obligation of citizenship to the community. See
La.Civ.Code art. 2626.
40
618 So.2d 874, 876 (La.1993). The Louisiana Supreme Court rejected the limitation
of a property owner’s damage to the lesser of the cost to repair and diminution in
market value caused by the damage at issue.47 Id. The Louisiana Supreme Court
concluded that:
The teachings of the cases approximating

Restatement (Second) of Torts § 929 and its comments,
when applied as flexible guides rather than as arbitrary
formulae, tend to foster the same goals established by our
Civil Code and state constitutional property damage
principles, i.e., they tend to compensate the victim to the
full extent of his loss and restore him to as good a
position as he held prior to the damage. La.Civ.Code art.
2315; La. Const. 1974, Art. I § 4; Coleman v. Victor,
supra. Accordingly, we conclude that, as a general rule of
thumb, when a person sustains property damage due to
the fault of another, he is entitled to recover damages
including the cost of restoration that has been or may be
reasonably incurred, or, at his election, the difference
between the value of the property before and after the
harm. If, however, the cost of restoring the property in its
original condition is disproportionate to the value of the
property or economically wasteful, unless there is a
reason personal to the owner for restoring the original
condition or there is a reason to believe that the plaintiff
will, in fact, make the repairs, damages are measured
only by the difference between the value of the property
before and after the harm. Consequently, if a building
such as a homestead is used for a purpose personal to the
owner, the damages ordinarily include an amount for
repairs, even though this might be greater than the entire
value of the building.
Id. at 879-80.
At trial, Mr. Goins testified that he inspected Appellees’ properties, and
reasoned that vibrations produced by the construction activities caused damage,
specifically interior cracking and exterior signs of movement and separation. Mr.
Goins prepared estimates of the costs of repair. Mr. Goins testified that through
2018, he examined Appellees’ properties to determine the origin and cause of the
damages. In his inspections, Mr. Goins visited the properties and interviewed
47
This “rigid” method is referred to as the “cost of replacement, less depreciation” test. Id.
41
Appellees. Mr. Goins examined the exterior of the properties for signs of distress.
Mr. Goins interviewed Appellees to learn the history of the properties. Mr. Goins
walked through the interior of the properties and took photographs, and later
compared these to pre-construction photographs. At trial, Mr. Goins disclosed that it
is normal for homes in uptown New Orleans to have hairline cracks from settling
over time, and in the majority of these old homes settling had already occurred. Mr.
Goins asserted that there was similar damage among the affected properties: interior
cracking throughout, some foundation damage, signs of movement on the exterior as
evidenced by large gaps, large separations, some movement in siding. Mr. Goins
concluded that SELA construction activities caused damage to Appellees’ properties.
Mr. Goins provided estimated the cost of repair to Appellees’ properties.
At trial, Dr. Sykora testified that he examined pre-construction and post-
construction photographs of Appellees’ properties as well as construction monitoring
data to determine whether the SELA construction activities caused damage – and to
what extent – to Appellees’ property. Dr. Sykora evaluated the probability of
property damage based on vibrations or ppv. Dr. Sykora concluded that “there’s
essentially no damage” at .25 ppv, which was the contractual threshold. Further, Dr.
Sykora opinioned that .5 ppv presents a “more realistic threshold for potential
damage” and the probability of damage is “about five [5] percent.” Dr. Sykora
testified that the vibrations were not continuous and did not cause distress or damage
to Appellees’ property.
At trial, Dr. Bailey testified that he inspected Lowenburg Appellees’
properties to assess interior and exterior distress to the properties and to determine
whether the damage was caused by or related to the SELA project as well as the
42
costs of repair. In preparing his estimates, Dr. Bailey analyzed photographs and
videos taken both before and after the construction activities. Dr. Bailey concluded
that only Appellee Hammick’s and Appellee Brown’s properties sustained damage
attributable to the SELA construction project. Additionally, Dr. Bailey concluded
that Watson Appellee’s property damage was not caused by the SELA construction
project.
Appellant retained Exponent48 to evaluate the costs of repair of Lowenburg
Appellees’ property damage. Exponent made site-specific evaluations of Lowenburg
Appellees’ properties, which included a review of the Jefferson II phase of the SELA
construction project and a “crack-by-crack comparison” using before and after
photographs of the properties. In preparing the repair cost estimates, Exponent relied
on the 2018 Contractors Pricing Guide: Residential Repair & Remodeling Costs with
RSMeans data. Overall, the Exponent Report found Mr. Goins’ estimates to be
excessive.
The trial court took judicial notice that there was consistency and
commonality in the damages to Appellees’ properties, specifically the widespread
cracking and separations, caused by the Jefferson II and Napoleon III SELA Project
Construction.
Appellees Brancaforte explained that, as a result of the construction activities,
the front porch had separated from the property, there were cracks throughout the
basement and in the Tiffany windows, and several doors no longer closed properly;
however, pre-construction video showed that there were pre-existing damage to the
property. Mr. Goins estimated that it would cost $446,697.36 to repair Appellees
48
Exponent is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers that includes both Dr. Sykora,
who served as the primary geotechnical engineer, and DR. Bailey, who served as the lead structural
engineer, as well as other engineers.
43
Brancaforte’s property; this estimate included repairs to the foundation, repainting
the entire exterior, repainting several rooms, and the removal and storage of
furniture. Contrarily, Dr. Bailey testified that Appellees Brancaforte’s property
sustained cosmetic distress that pre-existed the construction activities. The Exponent
Report estimated the cost of exterior and interior repairs at $12,574.11. The trial
court, in its final judgment, after weighing the evidence presented, as well as the
credibility of the competing experts and their recommended awards, awarded
Appellees Brancaforte $35,000.00 in property damage.
Appellee Brown reported that, as a result of the construction activities, her
driveway buckled, tiles loosened, interior doors no longer closed properly, and
cracks formed on the interior and exterior of her property; also, a large “swimming
pool” sized sinkhole formed directly in front of her property. Mr. Goins noted
cracking throughout the property, signs of porch movement, and damage to the piers.
Mr. Goins estimated that it would cost $257,227.63 to repair Appellee Brown’s
property; this estimate included repairs to the foundation, repainting the entire
exterior, repainting several rooms, and the removal and storage of furniture. Dr.
Sykora testified that the sinkhole that did not cause damage to the foundation and
that there was no damage to the foundation. Both Dr. Sykora and Dr. Bailey agreed
that the construction activities damaged the walkway. Dr. Bailey reasoned that
except for the walkway, all distress to the property pre-existed the construction
activities. The Exponent Report estimated the cost of exterior and interior repairs at
$17,348.79. The trial court, in its final judgment, after weighing the evidence
presented, as well as the credibility of the competing experts and their recommended
awards, awarded Appellees Brown $22,000.00 in property damage.
44
Mr. Goins observed that Appellee Ellis’ property exhibited separations in the
front porch, nails protruding from the siding, cracks in the exterior fireplace, and
cracks and separation throughout the entirety of the property. Mr. Goins estimated
that it would cost $332,995.01 to repair Appellee Ellis’ property; this estimate
included repairs to the foundation, repainting the entire exterior, repainting several
rooms, and the removal and storage of furniture. Dr. Sykora testified that the
property had no sustained and damage to its structure or foundation. Dr. Bailey
testified that the property showed both interior and exterior cosmetic damages as
well as moisture intrusion. The Exponent Report estimated the cost of exterior and
interior repairs at $14,296.58. The trial court, in its final judgment, after weighing
the evidence presented, as well as the credibility of the competing experts and their
recommended awards, awarded Appellee Ellis $25,000.00 in property damage.
Mr. Goins testified that there was cracking throughout Appellee Hamrick’s
property and the stairs had moved away from the property. Mr. Goins reported that
the foundation repairs were necessary, but limited to the front porch. Dr. Sykora
testified that the widening of the porch was caused by construction activities. Dr.
Bailey testified that the property sustained cosmetic distress to the interior and
exterior of the property, but the distress, except for the crack in the chain wall, pre-
existed the construction activities. Mr. Goins estimated that it would cost
$197,328.00 to repair Appellees Hamrick’s property; this estimate included repairs
to the foundation, repainting the entire exterior, repainting several rooms, and the
removal and storage of furniture. The Exponent Report estimated the cost of exterior
and interior repairs at $14,397.98. The trial court, in its final judgment, after
weighing the evidence presented, as well as the credibility of the competing experts
45
and their recommended awards, awarded Appellee Hamrick $23,000.00 in property
damage.
Appellees Link reported that, as a result of the construction activities, there are
cracks throughout the interior and exterior of their property, a huge crack on the
exterior wall, a large “crevice” in one room, and separations in the kitchen addition.
Prior to trial, Appellees Link reattached the bathrooms sinks that had separated from
the wall and fixed broken windows. Mr. Goins estimated that it would cost
$317,899.57 to repair Appellees Link’s property; this estimate included repairs to the
foundation, repainting the entire exterior, repainting several rooms, and the removal
and storage of furniture. Dr. Sykora testified that no foundation repairs were
necessary. Dr. Bailey testified that the property sustained interior and exterior
distress, but the distress pre-existed the construction activities. The Exponent Report
estimated the cost of exterior and interior repairs at $41,838.14. The trial court, in its
final judgment, after weighing the evidence presented, as well as the credibility of
the competing experts and their recommended awards, awarded Appellees Link
$41,838.00 in property damage.
Appellees McDiarmid explained that, as a result of the construction activities,
their property experienced power outages and flooding because the catch basins
outside the property had not been connected to the main sewer line. Mr. Goins
estimated that it would cost $370,536.43 to repair Appellees McDiarmid’s property;
this estimate included repairs to the foundation, repainting the entire exterior,
repainting several rooms, and the removal and storage of furniture. Dr. Sykora
testified that the property’s piers exhibited separation that pre-existed the
construction activities and foundation repairs were not necessary. Dr. Bailey
46
testified that the property’s distress pre-existed the construction activities. The
Exponent Report estimated the cost of exterior and interior repairs at $15,759.05.
The trial court, in its final judgment, after weighing the evidence presented, as well
as the credibility of the competing experts and their recommended awards, awarded
Appellees McDiarmid $28,000.00 in property damage.
Appellees Osborne reported cracks and separations throughout the property,
the left side of the property now bulges because one of the piers has collapsed.
Buckling floors, and the upstairs balcony has separated from the property, which
caused water intrusion. Prior to trial, Appellees Osborne repaired some of the
aforementioned damage. Mr. Goins observed cracking throughout the property and a
bump in the floor consistent with a damaged pier. Mr. Goins estimated that it would
cost $383,809.17 to repair Appellees Osborne’s property; this estimate included
repairs to the foundation, repainting the entire exterior, repainting several rooms, and
the removal and storage of furniture. Dr. Sykora testified that the construction
activities did not cause damage to the property’s foundation, and structural repairs
were not necessary. The Exponent Report estimated the cost of exterior and interior
repairs at $19,683.75. The trial court, in its final judgment, after weighing the
evidence presented, as well as the credibility of the competing experts and their
recommended awards, awarded Appellees Osborne $30,000.00 in property damage.
Appellee Stolier admitted that, prior to the SELA construction project, his
property evinced minor cracks; however, those cracks have increased in length and
now there are cracks throughout the property. According to Appellee Stolier, his
recently installed bathroom tile have popped up and recently remodeled kitchen has
separated from the walls and counters. Mr. Goins observed damage to roof tiles,
47
damage to the exterior pool area, and nails protruding from the siding. However,
unlike the other properties at issue, Appellee Stolier’s property did not require
foundation repairs. Mr. Goins estimated that it would cost $79,677.44 to repair
Appellee Stolier’s property. Dr. Sykora testified that the construction activities did
not damage the property. Dr. Bailey testified that he observed exterior and interior
damage to the property, but this damage pre-existed the construction activities. The
Exponent Report estimated the cost of exterior and interior repairs at $7,790.02. The
trial court, in its final judgment, after weighing the evidence presented, as well as the
credibility of the competing experts and their recommended awards, awarded
Appellee Stolier $13,000.00 in property damage.
Appellee Taylor testified that, as a result of the construction activities, his
property has cracks in almost every room, the corner of the property and porch are
subsiding, separations in the molding and baseboards, a banister has cracked, and the
ceiling in one room is collapsing inward. Appellee Taylor performed some repairs
and provides those costs. Mr. Goins estimated that it would cost $292,604.78 to
repair Appellee Taylor’s property; this estimate included repairs to the foundation,
repainting the entire exterior, repainting several rooms, and the removal and storage
of furniture. Dr. Sykora testified that Appellee Taylor’s property did not have
foundation issues. Dr. Bailey testified that both the interior and exterior distress to
the property pre-existed the construction activities. The Exponent Report estimated
the cost of exterior and interior repairs at $23,411.16. The trial court, in its final
judgment, after weighing the evidence presented, as well as the credibility of the
competing experts and their recommended awards, awarded Appellee Taylor
$24,000.00 in property damage.
48
Watson Appellee testified that, as a result of construction activities, the
property sustained bowing foundation; cracked tiles, walls, and ceiling; basement
flooding; and roof damage. At trial, it was noted that Watson Appellee had sustained
roof damage prior to the construction as evidenced by three separate insurance
claims. Mr. Goins estimated that it would cost $846,651.98 to repair Watson
Appellee’s property. The trial court, in its reasons for judgment, noted that while the
construction may have exacerbated the damage, preconstruction video and
photographs demonstrated that much of the property damage was sustained prior to
the construction. The trial court, in its final judgment, after weighing the evidence
presented, as well as the credibility of the competing experts and their recommended
awards, awarded Watson Appellee $233,788.00 in property damages.
In consideration of a trial court’s award of damages, this Court reasoned
The standard of review for damage awards requires a

showing that the trier of fact abused the great discretion
accorded in awarding damages. Davis v. Hoffman, [20]00-
2326, pp. 3-4 (La. App. 4 Cir. 10/24/01), 800 So.2d 1028,
1030-31. In effect, the award must be so high or so low in
proportion to the injury that it “shocks the conscience.” Id.
(quotation omitted). Where dealing with specific awards
made for specific reasons spelled out by the trial court, we
must consider whether each specific item is recoverable as
a matter of law. Mistich v. Volkswagen of Germany, Inc.,
[19]94-226, p. 4 (La. App. 4 Cir. 6/25/97), 698 So.2d 47,
50.
Sewell, at p. 16.
This Court, in Sewell and consistent with the jurisprudence, concluded that
Appellees were “entitled to be compensated to the full extent of [their] loss.” 2018-
0996, p. 20, ---So.3d---. As such, the trial court did not err in its award of damages to
each Appellee, even though it may not have been what their experts suggested. After
49
weighing the credibility of the expert witnesses, and their damage reports, the trial
court compensated Appellees’ for the full extent of their losses.
Lost Rent
On appeal, Appellee, Mark Hamrick (“Appellee Hamrick”), argues that the
trial court erred in failing to award damages for lost rent. Appellee Hamrick owns a
four-plex property located at 1300-02 Jefferson Avenue; he resides in two of the
units and rents the remaining two units. Appellee Hamrick testified that he was
impacted by the construction beginning in June 2013 until December 2016. As a
result of the construction, Appellee Hamrick argued that there was a seventeen
month vacancy, from November 1, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and he was unable to
find a tenant willing to pay $1,750.00 per month. Appellee Hamrick asserts that, as a
result of the construction, he lost rent in the amount of $29,750.00. The trial court,
in its reasons for judgment, highlighted that on cross-examination, Appellee Hamrick
conceded that he had been performing work on the unit from 2014 to 2016, and did
not advertise the unit for lease until January 2016; he secured a tenant in April 2016.
Further, Appellee Hamrick testified that that he had attracted the interest of
prospective tenants, but he refused them because they sought a lower rental price.
For those reasons, the trial court concluded that Appellee Hamrick did not sustain a
loss in rents because of the construction and did not award him any damages for lost
rent. Thus, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion.
Judicial Interest
As an assignment of error, Appellees argue that judicial interest should be
added onto all damages awarded. The trial court’s judgment is silent as to interest.
50
Pursuant to La. C.C.P. art. 1921,49 “[t]he court shall award interest in the judgment
as prayed for or as provided by law.” This Court explained that “[t]he Louisiana
Code of Civil Procedure also provides for mandatory legal interest.” Lifetime Const.,
L.L.C. v. Lake Marina Tower Condo. Ass'n, Inc., 2012-0487, p. 11 (La. App. 4 Cir.
3/27/13), 117 So.3d 109, 117. The Louisiana Supreme Court explained that “[t]he
Legislature could not have selected stronger or more significant language than the
words ‘shall attach’ to indicate an intention that interest automatically becomes due
and payable on a judgment sounding in damages from the date of judicial demand,50
irrespective of whether or not it is prayed for in the petition or mentioned in the
judgment.” Grennon v. New Orleans Pub. Serv., 17 La. App. 700, 701, 136 So. 309,
310-11 (1931). As such, we amend the trial court’s judgment to include judicial
interest from the date of the trial court’s final judgment.
Attorney’s Fees
As an assignment of error, Appellees argues that, on appeal, they should be
awarded $25,000 in attorney’s fees and costs. In its final judgment, the trial court
awarded Appellees “reasonable attorney’s fees”51 and “taxed [Appellant] with the
costs associated with the prosecution of this matter.”52 On appeal, “[a]n increase in
attorney’s fees is usually awarded where a party who was awarded attorney’s fees by
49
The official comment to La. C.C.P. art. 1921 provides that the phrase “as provided by law”
contemplates torts claims because judicial “interest attaches automatically, without being prayed
for.
50
The Louisiana Supreme Court explained that the date of judicial demand contemplates that “until
rendition of a judgment, no sum is due to either party upon which to award interest.” Cajun Elec.
Power Co-op. v. Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corp., 616 So.2d 645, 647 (La.1993).
51
“The trial court is authorized to assess attorney fees pursuant to La. R.S. 13:5111(A).” Sewell,
2018-0996, p. 21 (La. App. 4 Cir. 5/29/19), ---So.3d.---.
52
“The language of the statute indicates that the legislature intended such an award for attorney’s
fees to be permissible. However, in making an award for attorney's fees, the trial court is vested
with much discretion and the award will not be disturbed in the absence of a clear abuse of that
discretion.” State Dep't of Transp. & Dev. v. Brookhollow of Alexandria, Inc., 578 So.2d 558, 564
(La. Ct. App.1991.
51
the trial court is forced to and successfully defends an appeal.” State Dep’t of
Transp. & Dev. v. Brookhollow of Alexandria, Inc., 578 So.2d 558, 564 (La. Ct.
App. 1991), 578 So.2d 558, 564. Further, “[t]he award of additional attorney fees is
‘to keep the appellate judgment consistent with the underlying judgment.’ Goulas v.
B & B Oilfield Services, Inc., [20]10–934 (La. App. 3 Cir. 8/10/11), 69 So.3d 750,
762, writ denied, 11–1951 (La.11/14/11), 75 So.3d 945. To determine the amount of
attorney’s fees, factors that are considered include ‘the skill exercised by the attorney
and the time and work required on appeal.’ Avenue Surgical Suites v. Jo Ellen Smith
Convalescent Center, [20]11–0026 (La. App. 4 Cir. 5/18/11), 66 So.3d 1103, 1111.”
State, Dep't of Transp. & Dev. v. Monteleone, 2011-1013, 34 (La. App. 5 Cir.
11/13/12); 106 So.3d 153, 174.
The trial court awarded attorney’s fees in favor of Appellees, and Appellees
successfully defended the appeal raised by Appellant. For those reasons, we find that
Appellees are entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees on appeal. However, in the
instant appeal, we are unable to conclude from the record the appropriate amount of
additional attorney’s fees to be awarded. Accordingly, we remand this matter for a
hearing on the issue of attorney’s fees for this appeal.
Judgment
As noted above, a review of the trial court’s final judgment, particularly its
award in favor of Appellees Dr. Robert and Charlotte Link -5534-36 Prytania Street,
revealed two line items for “Lost Rent.” The first “Lost Rent” line item provided the
amount of $41,838.00. The second “Lost Rent” line item provided the amount of
$18,500.00. This is obviously an error. The trial court, in no other award, lists
duplicative line items. While it is well-settled that “written reasons for judgment
52
form no part of the judgment, and that appellate courts review judgments, not
reasons for judgment,” a court of appeal is permitted to utilize a trial court’s written
reasons for judgment “to gain insight into the district court's judgment.” Wooley v.
Lucksinger, 2009-0571, p. 77 (La. 4/1/11), 61 So.3d 507, 572; Bottinelli Real Estate,
L.L.C. v. Johns Manville, Inc., 2019-0619, pp. 10-11 (La. App. 4 Cir. 12/27/19), 288
So.3d 179, 187. A review of the trial court’s written reasons for judgment reveal that
the award in the amount of $41,838.00 is for property damage, and the award in the
amount of $18,500.00 is for lost rent.
Although this issue was not raised on appeal by either Appellant or Appellees,
it is “[w]ithout doubt, [that] an appellate court has the authority to raise an issue sua
sponte on appeal.” Wooley, 2009-0571, p. 62 (La. 4/1/11); 61 So.3d at 562. Further,
this Court explained that
“an appellate court ... has the constitutional and statutory

authority to raise an issue sua sponte on appeal when
justice requires it to do so.” Id. In addition, La. C.C.P. art.
2164 provides that “[t]he appellate court shall render any
judgment which is just, legal, and proper upon the record
on appeal.” “As noted in the Official Revision Comments
under Art. 2164, the appellate court has ‘complete freedom
to do justice on the record irrespective of whether a
particular legal point or theory was made, argued, or
passed on by the court below.’” Georgia Gulf Corp. v.
Board of Ethics for Public Employees, [19]96-1907, p. 6
(La. 5/9/97), 694 So.2d 173, 176.
Keeping Our Legacy Alive, Inc. v. Cent. St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 2017-
1060, pp. 13-14 (La. App. 4 Cir. 10/31/18), ---So,3d---. For those reasons, we
modify and render the trial court’s judgment to read “Property Damage $41,838.00”
for Appellees Dr. Robert and Charlotte Link.
DECREE
53
For the aforementioned reasons, we amend the trial court’s judgment to
include judicial interest from the date of judicial demand, remand for a hearing on
attorney’s fees on appeal, modify and render the trial court’s judgment to read
“Property Damage $41,838.00” for Appellees Dr. Robert and Charlotte Link, and
affirm as amended.
AMENDED, REMANDED, MODIFIED AND

RENDERED, AND AFFIRMED AS AMENDED
54
55

Lowenburg v. Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, No. 2019-CA-0524 (La. App. July 29, 2020)

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Lowenburg v. Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, No. 2019-CA-0524 (La. App. July 29, 2020)

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ANNE LOWENBURG, JUDITH * NO.

CONSOLIDATED WITH: CONSOLIDATED WITH:

ARIYAN, INC. D/B/A DISCOUNT NO. 2019-CA-0525

SEWERAGE & WATER BOARD

CONSOLIDATED WITH: CONSOLIDATED WITH:

K&B LOUISIANA NO. 2019-CA-0526

SEWERAGE AND WATER

CONSOLIDATED WITH: CONSOLIDATED WITH:

M. LANGENSTEIN & SONS, INC., NO. 2019-CA-0527

SEWERAGE & WATER BOARD

Randall Alan Smith

This consolidated appeal arises from residential and commercial property

drainage projects across uptown New Orleans, Louisiana.

This consolidated appeal involves a group of homeowners, Plaintiffs-

Appellees (“Lowenburg Appellees”)1 and a non-profit church with a daycare center

Plaintiff-Appellee, Watson Memorial Spiritual Temple of Christ d/b/a Watson

with their properties, sustained various types of damages as a result of the

(“USACE”) and Defendant-Appellant, Sewerage and Water Board (“Appellant”). On

Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (“LCPRA”) to construct the

drainage canals. Pursuant to the project partnership agreement, LCPRA and

Appellant entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement. Appellant assumed

LCRPA’s contractual responsibilities and obligations in relation to the SELA

project.6 Further, through the cooperative endeavor agreement, Appellant

Lowenburg Appellees’ residences were located adjacent to the construction at

the construction of an expanded drainage culvert along Napoleon Avenue from

Carondelet Street to Constance Street. Watson Appellee’s property is adjacent to the

construction on Napoleon Avenue and St. Charles Avenue.

basement. In addition to seeking damages for property damage, Watson Appellee

Petition for Damages, Watson Appellee joined as a plaintiff in M. Langenstein &

against Appellant as a result of construction along the Napoleon Avenue Phase II

dismissed Appellant’s third-party demands, declined to retain jurisdiction, and

Appellees’ consolidated suit proceeded to trial on January 28 – 31, 2019.15 On

March 21, 2019 judgment.19 Appellees cross-appeal seeking an increase in the

fees incurred on appeal.

On appeal, Appellant raises the following assignments of error:

and enjoyment for experiencing noise, vibrations, dust, and property

enjoyment were excessive and thus, an abuse of discretion.

enjoyment for general effects experienced throughout the neighborhood

alleged construction noises based on potential decibel levels, which was

contrary to evidence and the federal court’s immunity ruling;

4. Whether the trial court erred in awarding damages for experiencing

construction noises at night;

stress of living with property damage to comport with its findings

regarding property damage;

to comport with its reduction of Appellees’ property damage claims;

use and enjoyment contrary to the record; and

9. Whether the trial court’s award of damages in favor of Watson Appellee

was excessive and not supported by the record.

In Appellees’ cross-appeal, they raise the following assignments of error:

1. Whether the trial court’s property damage awards in favor of Appellees

Appellee should be increased;

Hamrick for lost rent;

damages awarded as mandated by Louisiana law; and

5. Whether Watson Appellee is entitled to fees, including attorney’s fees,

As illustrated above, both Appellant and Appellees have raised numerous

assignments of error. We will discuss the assignments of error by topic – damages,

judicial interest, and attorney’s fees on appeal.

In Sewell v. Sewerage & Water Bd. of New Orleans, a case substantively

01166 (La. 10/15/19); 280 So.3d 612.

constitute a taking; thus, they are properly categorized as general damages.20

The term “damages” refers to “pecuniary compensation,

Compensatory damages are further divided into the broad

2000-0492, pp. 5-6 (La. 10/17/00); 774 So.2d 70, 74.